Dislocation

A dislocation is a separation of two bones where they meet at a joint. Joints are areas where two bones come together.

A dislocated joint is a joint where the bones are no longer in their normal positions.

Injury Considerations

It may be hard to tell a dislocated joint from a broken bone. Both are emergencies. You will need the same first aid treatment.

Most dislocations can be treated in a doctor's office or emergency room. You may be given medicine to make you sleepy and to numb the area. Sometimes, general anesthesia in the operating room is needed.

When treated early, most dislocations do not cause permanent injury.

Injuries to the surrounding tissues generally take 6 to 12 weeks to heal. Sometimes, surgery to repair a ligament that tears when the joint is dislocated is needed.

Injuries to nerves and blood vessels may result in more long-term or permanent problems.

Once a joint has been dislocated, it is more likely to happen again. Follow-up with an orthopedic surgeon is recommended after a dislocation.

Causes of Dislocation

Dislocations are usually caused by a sudden impact to the joint. This usually occurs following a blow, fall, or other trauma.

Symptoms for Dislocation

A dislocated joint may be:

Accompanied by numbness or tingling at the joint or beyond it

Intensely painful, especially if you try to use the joint or put weight on it

Limited in movement

Swollen or bruised

Visibly out of place, discolored, or misshapen

Nursemaid's elbow is a partial dislocation that is common in toddlers. The main symptom is the child's refusal to use the arm. Nursemaid's elbow can be easily treated in a doctor's office.

First Aid for Dislocation

Call 911 before you begin treating someone who may have a dislocation, especially if the accident that caused the injury may be life-threatening.

If the person has a serious injury, check their airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control.

Do not move the person if you think that their head, back, or leg has been injured. Keep the person still. Provide reassurance.

If the skin is broken, take steps to prevent infection. Do not blow on the wound. Rinse the area gently to remove any dirt you can see, but do not scrub or probe. Cover the area with sterile dressings before immobilizing the injured joint (see next step).

Splint or sling the injured joint in the position in which you found it. Do not move the joint. Also immobilize the area above and below the injured area.

Check the person's blood circulation around the injury by pressing firmly on the skin in the affected area. It should turn white, then regain color within a couple of seconds after you stop pressing on it. To reduce the risk of infection, do not do this step if the skin is broken.

Apply ice packs to ease pain and swelling, but do not put ice directly on the skin. Wrap the ice in a clean cloth.

Take steps to prevent shock. Unless there is a head, leg, or back injury, lay the victim flat, elevate their feet about 12 inches, and cover the person with a coat or blanket.

Do Not

Do NOT move the person unless the injury has been completely immobilized.

Do NOT move a person with an injured hip, pelvis, or upper leg unless it is absolutely necessary. If you are the only rescuer and the person must be moved, drag them by their clothing.

Do NOT attempt to straighten a misshapen bone or joint or try to change its position.

Do NOT test a misshapen bone or joint for loss of function.

Do NOT give the person anything by mouth.

When to Contact a Health Professional

Call 911 if the person has:

A bone projecting through the skin

A known or suspected dislocation or broken bone

An area below the injured joint that is pale, cold, clammy, or blue

Severe bleeding

Signs of infection, such as warmth or redness at the injured site, pus, or a fever

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